Highlights

Exceptionally rare, one of a reported 70 ever made
Extensively refurbished by former Norton engineer
Impressively well preserved
Believed to be number 7 off of the line
Just three owners from new

The Appeal

A slab of British motorcycle history and perhaps one of the most interesting and significant superbikes ever made. The Norton F1 was the last of an era and represented an end to the marque’s rotary powered bike lineup. Well built and limited to at most, 70 units, the bike stands today as one of the rarest and certainly most appealing from Norton’s impressive history.

This 1991 F1 Sport is a truly marvellous example of the legendary performance piece. Number seven off of the limited production line it stands today in impeccable form, having been extensively refurbished at the hands of former Norton engineer and all round legend of the industry, Richard Negus, and then having been meticulously maintained and preserved ever since.

Norton F1s seldom come to market, opportunities to acquire one are certainly few and far between. For the committed Norton enthusiast, this museum quality example is not a bike to be missed.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 16/12/1991
Whilst the actual number is somewhat disputed we understand there were a maximum of 70 F1 Sports ever made
As we are led to believe this was bike number seven off of the production line
Just three owners from new
Originally distributed to the Isle of Wight where it spent around a decade of its life
After this it was purchased by an enthusiast who sent the bike to be recommissioned and refurbished by former Norton engineer Richard Negus at a cost of nearly £5000 circa 2017
Purchased by the current owner in late 2021 to keep as part of a collection of rare classic motorcycles
Under their ownership was sent for another refurbishment as it had not been in regular use for some time
Accompanied by an impressive collection of invoices for both the original recommissioning and smaller scale one undertaken under the bike’s current ownership
Norton F1 owners manual also present
Early invoice for work undertaken by Norton Motors circa 2005
Current MOT valid with no advisories until July 2024
The bike has covered around 3000 miles since its first refurbishment circa 2017

The Condition

Impeccably presented in near museum quality
Converted to single seat
Correct black and gold colour scheme

Despite some time having passed now since the restoration at the hands of Richard Negus, the Norton presents today in near factory fresh order, having been exceptionally well preserved by both the previous and current owner and only covered a reported 3000 or so miles since the restoration.

All F1 Sports, including the one we have here were finished in a deep black paint scheme with gold embellishments as a nod to the marque’s John Player sponsorship. The paintwork and fairings on this particular example are of a great clean standard throughout, and exhibit with incredibly minimal if any signs of age related marking or wear. During the initial restoration a set of new gold decals were sourced and fitted to help match in to the quality the rest of the bike sits in.

The handlebars, switchgear and surrounding controls all look to be of a marvellous standard and are all understood to be in good working form. The triple gauge set was replaced during the restoration process at circa 37,000 miles, the new set are in good clean shape and sit now at just over 3000 miles, indicating very little mileage has been undertaken since restoration in 2017.

The simple, rather rudimentary seating pads, whilst perhaps not the last word in comfort look to be in fine form. As we understand the bike left the factory as a two seater, possibly one of just three ever specced like this, but it has since been converted to single seat form. Exterior trim, lighting and metal work is like the rest of the bike, exceptionally clean and beautifully presented.

The Mechanics

Rotary powers 588cc engine
Extensively recommissioned Ftotalling £2,411
Rebuilt carbs
6 speed gearbox upgrade

Naturally the primary focus of the bikes maintenance and refurbishment regime focused on the engine and surrounding running gear. The 588cc rotary power unit was the last of an era for the brand but still holds a committed following of repair specialists, perhaps the most prevalent of which is former Norton Engineer Richard Negus who completed the near £5000 rebuild of this particular bike. As part of the process the following major jobs were performed alongside a series of smaller mechanical and aesthetic tasks.

Full strip and rebuild of the engine
6 Speed gearbox upgrade
Brand new aluminium radiator upgrade Also hoses
New carburettors
New air filters
New chassis wiring loom
Electronic ignition system upgrade as well as coils and leads
New clocks from Andover Norton (old clocks retained and present with the bike)
Frame and swinging arm powder coated silver
Front & rear shocks reconditioned
New discs and pads front and rear
Callipers reconditioned front and rear
Wheels powder coated
New handlebar ends
New top yoke
Converted back to single seat
Bearings renewed on the bike and in the engine

After purchase by the current owner the bike was used for around 6 months before being sent to Classic Bike Workshop to have a general refresh with the following being performed

Carbs removed, rebuilt and tuned
Fuel tank split was welded and repaired
Fitted with new Bridgestone tyres with only 200 miles of use
Choke adjusted
Gearbox and primary oil changed
Head bearings adjusted

Naturally after such an extensive rebuild and rigorous maintenance the bike presents in outstanding mechanical order, firing into life comfortably, and with ease, with a glorious tone bellowing from the highly polished twin rear exhausts. Despite retaining low mileage, the vendor informs us that the Norton has been regularly used under their ownership in order to keep everything flowing and fresh, so prospective buyers looking to use the bike needn’t shy away.

Summary

A proper race bike for the road, no dulled down tame street machine. The Norton F1 is a hardcore rotary power superbike, a true icon of the 1990s that would make even the most astute Norton enthusiast weak at the knees.

Having been extensively refurbished and well maintained at the hands of one of the most respected engineers in the field, this 1991 example must surely be one of the best of the very few remaining examples left on the road. Whilst it stands today in a like new condition, primed for museum display, this is one that can and has been regularly used to the enjoyment of the lucky rider behind the bars.

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